Hawk talk

A Blackhawks primer as they return home from the Olympic break

March 02, 2010|By Ryan Smith, Special to the Tribune

The Blackhawks are back on home ice Wednesday night for the first time since the Olympics. Just in case you tuned out during the Vancouver Games, here's a brief primer to bring you back up to speed as the Hawks return to the United Center:

1. What is a hat trick?

a. The term for the rare feat of a player scoring three goals in a single game.

b. When a player blocks a flying puck in midair with his helmet.

c. A crazy goal celebration where a player performs a head spin on the rink.

2. The tradition of the national anthem at Blackhawks home games consists of ...

a. Players placing their hand on the face of the team logo during the song.

b. Fans cheering and applauding throughout the whole song, not just during the last couple of lines.

c. The public address system blaring a recorded version of the anthem performed by R. Kelly.

3. Jonathan Toews' last name is pronounced like ...

a. Toes

b. Tayves

c. Um, I have no clue.

4. In the offseason, the Hawks signed Marian Hossa for a contract worth ...

a. $31 million over five years

b. $68 million over 12 years

c. Partial ownership of the team and the exclusive rights to the "Hoss" nickname.

5. When the Red Wings come to town, the home crowd is fond of chanting the phrase ...